Comment: In 1615, St. Bellarmine's letter to Paolo Foscarini was a thoughtful response that sought to address the theological implications of Galileo's heliocentric model, providing a nuanced perspective on the reconciliation between scientific advancements and religious beliefs.For to say that, assuming the earth moves and the sun stands still, all the appearances are saved better than with eccentrics and epicycles, is to speak well; there is no danger in this, and it is sufficient for mathematicians.
But to want to affirm that the sun really is fixed in the center of the heavens and only revolves around itself (i.e., turns upon its axis ) without travelling from east to west, and that the earth is situated in the third sphere and revolves with great speed around the sun, is a very dangerous thing.
Credit: Cardinal Bellarmine
Source: Cardinal Bellarmine's Letter to Paolo Foscarini (1615)
Image Credits: Pixabay
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